Book Review: The Selection (Selection Series Book 1) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 1
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The Selection has been on my radar for a while. I have heard good things about it and thought that the back cover sounded pretty interesting. I found a box set for only $21 and thought it was a great deal, so naturally my little book addict self had to purchase it. Once again, so far it was more than just a great deal...it was an awesome deal! I could not put it down and found myself loving every moment the book had to offer.

You may be thinking okay what is this book about then...

Our nation is no more, and instead a young country called Illea stands in its place. In this country there is a caste system, Ones are at the top and Eights are at the bottom. There is a country-wide curfew and there are rules about dating, not only about outside your caste, but just dating in general. America Singer thinks she has everything figured out, she wants to marry Aspen and despite the obstacles in their way, she thinks love can conquer it all.

America is soon swept up in a competition known as the selection. She is one of 35 girls competing for the heart of Illea's Prince. The selection is actually helping her family, but is it what she wants. Can she even imagine actually being a princess?

Call me crazy, but this book actually reminded me of The Hunger Games. Girls fighting for something they want can be just as scary as what Katniss went through (okay that is slightly exaggerated, but it works). There is a boy she has known forever and a boy she is thrust into a competition with (see maybe i'm not so crazy after all!). The difference is this book is focused on America's heart and what she wants, whereas The Hunger Games was focused on survival and taking down a terrible form of government. The selection actually mentions the government of Illea, and this leads me to believe that what is going on in the country may come into play in the other books in the series.

I cannot wait to start in on The Elite, so I can continue on with this amazing tale! I love strong female characters, and America is not afraid to speak her mind. Since day one of the selection, she has refused to let the competition change her. I honestly do not know what will happen, I have my hopes, and am eager to finish America's story!